Rob Elliot says Tim Krul is still Newcastle’s number one

Newcastle have started to pick up form recently due to the performances of Rob Elliot, but the goalkeeper has admitted to NUTV that Tim Krul is still number one at St James’ Park.

Elliot said: “Massive shout to Tim Krul, chat to him all the time – he is our number one and we just want to wish him a massive recovery.”

Krul started the campaign as undoubted first-choice under Steve McClaren, although he was unfortunately injured whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.

Since then, Elliot has been deputising, and after some early struggles - and a 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace - he has helped the Magpies to two straight wins.

He kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Liverpool, and then pulled off a series of exceptional saves to allow his team to get back into the game in a 2-1 victory.

Elliot’s form has many actually believing in his ability after doubts fuelling his entire career on Tyneside, and despite Krul’s abilities, it would be unfortunate for Elliot to immediately lose his place in the starting XI when the Dutch stopper is back fit.

There are no indications as to when Krul will be back playing, but if Elliot continues to put in the top class performances he has been showing in recent weeks, the number one's absence will not be so heavily felt.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.